# Chinese Grammar: How to Use 然而 (HSK 4) | HSKReady Canonical: https://hskready.app/en/grammar/hsk-4-adversative-clauses-g078 Language: en Content ID: web-grammar-hsk-4-g078 HSK levels: 4 Updated: 2026-10-23T04:56:37.688Z Scope: published website educational content; full vocabulary, question bank and mock exams remain in the app. Learn how 然而 links two clauses to show an unexpected contrast, with sentence patterns, examples, and a comparison with related connectors. Grammar [HSK 4 · Sentence types › Complex sentences › Adversative clauses](https://hskready.app/en/grammar/hsk-4#hsk-4-g078) # Using 然而 to Show Contrast in Chinese 然而 connects two clauses when the second presents a result, fact, or situation that contrasts with what the first leads us to expect. Learn where it appears, how to punctuate it, and when a simple contrast is not enough. first clause ，然而 contrasting clause Example sentence 今天下雨，然而比赛没有取消。 Jīntiān xià yǔ, rán'ér bǐsài méiyǒu qǔxiāo. It is raining today; however, the match has not been canceled. **Read the full explanation and examples** ## Meaning: an unexpected contrast 然而 means “however” or “nevertheless.” It links two related statements: the first gives a fact or situation, and the second introduces a contrasting fact, outcome, or response. The contrast is meaningful because the first clause makes the second seem unexpected or less likely. The outline lists this pattern at HSK 4 under compound sentence types; it establishes scope and level, not which exam version is currently administered. In 今天下雨，然而比赛没有取消, the rain might lead you to expect that the event will be called off. The second clause gives the contrary outcome. The clauses do not need to be strict opposites; it is enough for the second to differ from a reasonable expectation raised by the first. 今天下雨，然而比赛没有取消。 Jīntiān xià yǔ, rán'ér bǐsài méiyǒu qǔxiāo. It is raining today; however, the match has not been canceled. 她最近很忙，然而还是按时完成了报告。 Tā zuìjìn hěn máng, rán'ér háishi ànshí wánchéng le bàogào. She has been very busy lately; however, she still finished the report on time. 这家餐厅看起来很普通，然而菜的味道很特别。 Zhè jiā cāntīng kàn qǐlái hěn pǔtōng, rán'ér cài de wèidào hěn tèbié. This restaurant looks quite ordinary; however, the food tastes very distinctive. ## Form and punctuation first clause ，然而 contrasting clause Present a first statement and a contrasting second one introduced by 然而. A comma is common within a single sentence, as shown here; a semicolon or sentence boundary can also separate longer stretches of text. A subject can be left understood where the reference is clear. Punctuation helps present the contrast; it does not create the logical relationship. 然而 normally begins the second clause, after the comma. It can appear in formal and careful writing, as well as in prepared speech. Because it often sounds more formal than everyday alternatives, consider the tone of the conversation before choosing it. 我们出发得很早，然而到车站时，候车室已经很拥挤了。 Wǒmen chūfā de hěn zǎo, rán'ér dào chēzhàn shí, hòuchēshì yǐjīng hěn yōngjǐ le. We set out very early; however, by the time we reached the station, the waiting room was already crowded. 天气预报说下午会晴，然而到了下午还在下雨。 Tiānqì yùbào shuō xiàwǔ huì qíng, rán'ér dào le xiàwǔ hái zài xià yǔ. The forecast said it would be sunny in the afternoon; however, it was still raining when the afternoon came. ## What kind of contrast fits? The contrast can be between a condition and an outcome, an appearance and a reality, an effort and its result, or a prediction and what is happening. It need not express disagreement or criticism. The second clause may simply add a fact that changes how the first clause is understood. - A situation suggests an outcome, but another outcome occurs: rain and a match that continues. - A person's difficulty suggests delay, but the person completes the task on time. - An appearance suggests one quality, while closer experience reveals another. - An expectation or forecast differs from what is actually happening. This lesson's pattern joins statements. 然而 can be used in other sentence contexts, but a direct question is not required to create the contrast taught here. Keep both clauses as statements when reporting two contrasting facts. ## A useful contrast Compare 尽管…但是…: it explicitly marks the first circumstance as a concession. 然而 normally introduces the contrasting statement after a preceding statement or stretch of text. 不过 often sounds more conversational and can add a reservation. These expressions overlap in use; register and clause structure help you choose, rather than an absolute rule assigning one emotion to each connector. - Use 然而 when the first statement sets up an expectation and the second gives a contrasting fact or outcome. - Make sure both sides can function as clauses; do not place 然而 between two unrelated words or phrases. - Use a comma before 然而 in this pattern, and put 然而 at the start of the contrasting clause. - If you only mean to add a qualification or a mild reservation, check whether a different connector better matches that intended meaning. A practical check: read the first clause, predict what might follow, then read the clause after 然而. If it gives a relevant but unexpected contrast, this pattern is a good fit. ## Frequently asked questions **Does 然而 always sound formal?** It often sounds more formal or careful than everyday alternatives, especially in writing, but tone depends on context. It is suitable when you want a clear, measured contrast. **Must the two clauses express complete opposites?** No. The second clause needs to contrast with an expectation raised by the first, but the facts do not have to be direct opposites. **Does the second clause need a new subject?** No. State its subject when needed for clarity; it may be understood from context when the reference is clear. **Source**[hsk.cn-bj.ufileos.com · PDF page 397](https://hsk.cn-bj.ufileos.com/3.0/%E6%96%B0%E7%89%88HSK%E8%80%83%E8%AF%95%E5%A4%A7%E7%BA%B21219.pdf#page=397) ## Continue in the app Full mock exams are available in HSKReady. [![Download on the App Store](https://hskready.app/download-on-app-store-black.svg)Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id6791916440?l=en)[![Get it on Google Play](https://hskready.app/get-it-on-google-play.svg)Get it on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.curiolab.hskready&hl=en) [HSKReady App](https://hskready.app/en/app)